There’s no better way to learn a new language than by rolling up your sleeves and getting stuck in!

This week at Holm Court Community Room, the English Learning Cafe traded textbooks for mixing bowls. Hosted by Salford Community Upskilling in partnership with the Refugee Welcome Programme and Salford Skills and Work, our latest session was all about “Interactive English whilst Cooking.”

Learning by Doing

The mission? To bake delicious cupcakes while learning the vocabulary that goes into making them.
We believe in learning “Whilst Cooking, Whilst Reading, Whilst Walking.” For this session, the kitchen became the classroom.

Instead of just repeating words, our participants practiced them in real-time. Phrases like “measure the sugar,” “crack the eggs,” “whisk the batter,” and “pour into the tray” came to life as the group worked together to create the perfect sponge mixture.

A Recipe for Community

The photos from the event tell a wonderful story of collaboration. We had a diverse group of women from various backgrounds coming together, helping one another navigate both the recipe and the language.

Whether it was checking the consistency of the batter, helping a friend line the cupcake tray, or watching the oven with anticipation, the atmosphere was filled with focus, laughter, and the universal language of food.

The Cherry on Top

Once the cakes were golden brown and cooled, the creativity really began. The group practiced their decorating vocabulary—sprinkle, squeeze, spread—as they used icing tubes and toppings to give their creations a personal touch.

It wasn’t just about baking cakes; it was about building confidence. Seeing the smiles was a reminder of how powerful community activities can be for mental well-being and social connection.

Join Us for the Next Session!

Are you interested in improving your English, making new friends, and learning new skills?

The English Learning Cafe runs every week.

• Where: Holm Court, Community Room
• When: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• What: Interactive English sessions (Cooking, Walking, Reading)

A huge thank you to the Refugee Welcome Programme and Salford Skills and Work for making this sweet session possible!